Twice a world champion in four FIFA World Cup™ appearances; the leading scorer in the history of the competition with 15 goals; a three-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award; and one of the greatest footballers of all time: Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, otherwise known as O Fenômeno, achieved much during the years when he graced the pitches of the world. His days of terrorising opposing defences behind him, Ronaldo is now an authority on his country’s preparations to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. A member of the Management Board of Brazil 2014’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), he gave a wide-ranging press…

South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, South Africa’s president says. Mr Mandela, 95, led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison. He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital. In a statement on South African national TV, Mr Zuma said Mr Mandela had “departed” and was at peace. Continue reading the main story 1918 Born in the Eastern Cape 1943 Joined African National Congress 1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped after a four-year trial 1962 Arrested, convicted of incitement and…

A teacher, believed to be an American national, has been shot dead in Libya’s eastern city of Benghazi, local officials say. Reportedly from Texas, he taught chemistry at the international school, medical and security sources said. The man, thought to be called Ronnie Smith, was gunned down earlier on Thursday as he was jogging in Fweihat district, local sources told the BBC. There was no immediate statement from the US embassy in Libya. No group has said it carried out the attack. The international school in Benghazi is a Libyan-owned institute that follows an American curriculum. BBC

Pope Francis is to set up a Vatican committee to fight sexual abuse of children in the Catholic Church and offer help to victims. The announcement, by the archbishop of Boston, follows a meeting between the Pope and his eight cardinal advisers. It comes days after the Vatican refused a UN request for information on alleged abuse by priests, nuns or monks. Pope Francis has said dealing with sex abuse is vital for the Church’s credibility. Cardinal Sean O’Malley, the archbishop of Boston, said the proposed panel of experts could provide codes of conduct for clergymen, guidelines for Church officials…